Posted: Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 10:09 AM ET (1509 GMT)
SpaceX launched more than 130 satellites on its latest rideshare mission Tuesday. A Falcon 9 lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 2:09 pm EST (1909 GMT) on the Transporter-12 mission. The rocket carried 131 satellites, including some in orbital transfer vehicles that will be deployed later. That payload included imaging satellites for Planet, Satellogic, Iceye and Indian startup Pixxel, which flew its first three commercial high-resolution hyperspectral satellites. Also on board was Varda Space Industries' second mission, W-2, which carries NASA and Air Force Research Lab payloads on a capsule that will return to Earth, landing in Australia. Inversion space flew its first reentry vehicle, Ray, on the mission as well; it will splash down off the California coast after spending a few weeks in orbit.

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